HOLT UNITED 0

BALTI SPORTS 1

BALTI Sports secured a huge morale boost with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Holt United in the Jewson Dorset Premier League.

Going into the game at Petersham Lane, Balti had lost eight in 12 league matches and had lost four consecutive games.

Sports feared a similar fate would meet them when injury and unavailability whittled their squad down to 11 fit players.

Defender Matt Brisco was drafted in on dual terms with Chickerell and played his part alongside Phil Anderson in a fabulous defensive display.

An entertaining game saw Holt fluff an early chance from six yards, while the Bulls always carried a threat from set-pieces.

Balti’s stout defence always gave them a chance on the counter, Matt Chambers lashing a shot against the angle of post and bar.

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At the other end, keeper Andy Nott was in good form to make two crucial stops with his legs.

The ebb and flow continued after the break, with Brisco and Anderson combining to make two big blocks in a matter of seconds.

Such strong defence brought cheers from the Balti ranks every time a tackle went in – and there was further cause for celebration 10 minutes from time.

Once more flying upfield on the break, Danny Andrews unleashed a spectacular half-volley from Dylan Riley’s pass into the roof of the net to spark jubilation on the Balti bench.

Balti defended for their lives before full-time and could have made it 2-0, but for a weary Jack Drummond to get his feet in a tangle when one-on-one.

Post-match, Balti boss Marco Nott told Echosport: “We were celebrating tackles like they were goals.

“It was so nice to see a bit of passion and togetherness. We scored an unbelievable goal and we kept our shape so well. It was the perfect away performance.

“I desperately needed to see a performance like that. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”

On his selection issues, Nott added: “I went up there expecting the worst. I even said to their manager if it’s anything under six (goals conceded) I’ll be happy.

“It was mad. When it’s backs to the wall we tend to find something. I felt like Holt could’ve been there all day and not scored.

“All four defenders get praise. They’ve come under a lot of stick and my brother deserved a clean sheet. He made a couple of good saves.

“Really, it was the blocks. We got two off the line. We got a bit of luck but we deserved it.

“Phil marshalled the back four unbelievably and was outstanding. Matt Brisco was excellent on his debut, I gave him man of the match. For such a young lad to play like he did was superb.”

Balti now play Shaftesbury Town Reserves tonight at Cockrams (7.45pm).

Nott said: “They beat Blandford, who we’ve notoriously struggled against this season.

“It’s a 3G pitch as well, so hopefully we can get the ball down and play a bit more football, just go off the momentum from Saturday.”

Che Curran and Rory Zima are expected to return.

Balti: A Nott, Grace, Brisco, Anderson, Riley, Devaney, L Taylor, Rawlings, Chambers, Drummond, Andrews.